Stop, look and wave your hand before using zebra crossing

The Zebra Crossing was first introduced in limited numbers on UK public roads in 1949. The original Zebra Crossing had alternating blue and white stripes.

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Although Zebra Crossings are gradually being phased out by more sophisticated pedestrian crossings such as the Puffin Crossing, they are still a common sight on UK roads.When driving examiners design the driving test routes, they intentionally incorporate as many various types of pedestrian crossings as possible, especially the Zebra Crossing. This guide explains the rules and regulations used at Zebra Crossings for both the pedestrian and for drivers approaching and stopping at Zebra Crossings.

In particular, this tutorial explains the correct procedures that car drivers (and those on a driving test) should adhere to when approaching a Zebra Crossing.

ZEBRA CROSSINGS – DRIVING

It’s important to always look well ahead whilst driving, not only during your driving test, but also once you have passed. Zebra Crossings do fail a large amount of driving tests, not necessarily due to the actions of the learner driver, but pedestrians. Pedestrians and cyclists often can enter onto a Zebra Crossings with little regard for traffic.

Although this may seem like the fault of the pedestrian or cyclist, the examiner will always look upon the learner driver to take the appropriate action in avoiding a potential accident. Cyclists also pose a problem at Zebra Crossings. Although regulations inform cyclists to dismount whilst crossing a Zebra, some often young riders, often don’t which results in a cyclist approaching a crossing too fast for drivers to react safely.